The Harrow

After Mum left on her cruise and Nicholas's gout was crippling him so badly, Oi and I were feeling a bit downcast and kicking around ready for our long journey home. We have had a great time but it sort of feels like the partys over and its time to make tracks.

So, it was a great surprise to have Joel and Darren descend on Borough Hill for one last shin-dig. Arriving about mid-day, Joel, Daz and I enjoyed a fast walk to the Harrow, behind Tilmore Gardens and down Harrow Lane. All the trees are out now and beautiful light green leaves form a canopy above the sunken lane. A shame the new A3 bypass destroys the final approach.

Still, at the Harrow we ordered cider and for a while sat in the baking sunshine that was Easter Sunday. We chatted over all that has happened over the passed twenty years. Retiring to the shade of the garden, Darren had a Brie ploughmans and Joel and I more cider.

Joel wanted a roast dinner so we eventually left the Harrow and walked back into town and went to the Square Brewery which was still busy at four o'clock. No more food, so after a couple of pints of HSB we dropped in at Tesco express, and through some cunning shopping obtained enough ingredients for a BBQ.

Back at home, Joel set to work in the kitchen with Oi while Darren and I got things ready in the garden. Grace ran about being cute and Nicholas got all social with his leg feeling better. We all ate salmon and sausages, salad and chutney while Nicholas brought us wine, as he was celebrating the end of Lent. As others went to bed, Joel, Daz and myself chewed the fat still further into the night.

At some point, Joel yearned for bed, so Daz made tracks and I also retired.

I said to Joel that is was a great thing to have this happy time so close to our departure, which broke the gloom I had been under.

Now Monday with just a couple of days to go, our minds must turn to packing and the long journey home.